Abstract/Summary

Breedon Hill forms one of the most prominent features in the landscape of north-west Leicestershire, standing up 50 m above the surrounding ground. That it has been a major landmark throughout recorded history is suggested by its name, which is derived from the Celtic ‘bre’ and the Anglo-Saxon ‘dun’, both words meaning ‘hill’. Viewed from the east, the rugged vertical western quarry face is crowned by the church that looks very precarious; it stands about 70 m behind the quarry face, but looks much closer from a distance. To see the quarry and its geology at relatively close quarters, the viewing platform at the north end of the quarry should be visited. There is also a footpath that follows the quarry’s eastern rim. Quarry visits are limited to organized groups, but a few small exposures are present along the footpath from Breedon village up the western slopes of the hill.